2007 Vegan Triathlon

Report by Monica Guy

The day of the third annual Vegan Triathlon dawned a bright, sunny and typically windy Canterbury February day – despite the rain and cold of the previous two days! I know I speak for many people when I say how relieved we all were.

Due to the excellent directions and instructions (thanks to Yolanda and Andrew), everyone arrived well before the start, and all participants were registered, complete with their number written on their arm (thanks to the very efficient Miriam and the not so efficient me!) in plenty of time for the 3:00 start The triathletes looked awesome in their Vegan Triathlon 2007 tops. Photos were taken of participants and all including organisers and volunteers. Our thanks to the paparazzi (otherwise known as Greer (head photographer) and her assistants Dean and Yolanda.

Yo gave a great briefing and then it was all on. The Triathletes started in the pool, swimming 150, 300 or 600 m in the training pool at QE11. When they finished, their times were marked off by the (and yes, I must say it again) very efficient Miriam.

Once the swim was over, the triathletes moved to the beginning of the run/walk (where I stood, proud with my green flag and clip board – I really loved that clip board!). The runners did 1, 2 or 3 laps of the course (2.1, 4.2 or 6.3 km). Their times were marked off by (this time I must say, hopefully) efficient me!

At 3:30 the vegan children’s run started (well done to Asher, Jasper, Renee, Neve, Alexa, Alannah, Te Koha and Dylan!!!). Special thanks to Dean who ran with the kids until he cheated and ran across the field!! And, a very special thanks to Amber and Ella, who had already completed their triathlon, then went on to run with 2 year old Te Koha to the finish line!

The athletes were all amazing – competitive but great sports as well - and they all should feel very very proud of themselves. The supporters were fantastic, and I know all the athletes appreciated them. The triathlon ended with many happy but tired people (including the volunteers … we worked hard too you know !!).

To celebrate/reward all involved, dinner was held at Mainstreet Café. The meal was extremely delicious, the company scintillating, the spot prizes fabulous and the dessert indescribable (I can vouch for this having eaten my cake and most of Te Koha’s – he preferred the ice cream) … quite simply the perfect ending to the perfect day.

The recipient for profits made from this triathlon was the stray cat rescues of Sacha Dowell, vegan triathlon participant 2005, 2006 and 2007. Over $1000 was raised through fees and sponsorship for Sacha’s stray cat rescues. For more information about Sacha’s work, go to: http://www.cisforcats.co.nz/rescue/cat_rescue_christchurch.htm.

Huge thanks must be given to Yolanda and Andrew who did an amazing job organising the vegan triathlon. Special mention should also be made of Ella (12), Amber (11), Ingrid-Anna (13) and Kirsten (12) who competed at an incredibly high level along with the adults. Thank you also to the donors of the spot prizes:

a ‘Go Vegan’ t shirt donated by SAFE

an organic garlic plait donated by Alastair and Sophie

a meal for two donated by Mainstreet Vegetarian

a $20 Piko voucher

$20 voucher for produce from Wyenova Organic Farm

Blue Earth soaps

Last but certainly not least, thank you to QE11 Park for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities for such an amazing event. On a personal note, I would like to say how much my girls and I enjoyed the day. It was a fabulous way to show how healthy a vegan lifestyle can be. We were incredibly proud to be a part of this.